Compact public address access point apparatuses

ABSTRACT

Apparatuses that operate as both a public address speaker and a wireless access point (AP) for mounting to a ceiling or wall. The compact public address access points described herein may include an AP housing, enclosing a radio (e.g., a 3×3 MIMO radio) and antenna, that is coupled to a speaker assembly including a speaker, a conical acoustic reflector positioned between a front of the speaker and the housing of the AP, and an annular region comprising a concave inner wall facing the conical acoustic reflector. Although the AP is nested atop the front of the speaker, the speaker may produce high-quality sound with accurate voice reproduction without interfering with the operation of the wireless transmission of the AP. Methods of operating and installing these apparatuses are also described.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/262,564, titled “COMPACT PUBLIC ADDRESS ACCESS POINT APPARATUSES”,filed Sep. 12, 2016; which application claims the benefit of priority ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 62/217,779, titled “SPEAKER INTERFACESFOR WIRELESS ACCESS POINTS”, filed Sep. 11, 2015; all of which areherein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specificationare herein incorporated by reference in their entirety to the sameextent as if each individual publication or patent application wasspecifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

FIELD

Speaker apparatuses (including public address systems) configured formounting to a ceiling or wall for integration with a wireless accesspoint.

BACKGROUND

A wireless access point (AP) may be a device that allows wirelessdevices to connect to a wired network using WiFi, Bluetooth, or anotherlocal wireless networking standard. A mobile device such as a laptop,smartphone, or tablet computer may be configured to automaticallyconnect to a wireless access point when the mobile device is in range ofa compatible wireless access point.

A wireless access point may have a relatively short range, such as about20 meters. However, multiple overlapping wireless access points may beused to cover relatively large areas. For example, a commercial premisessuch as a hospital, airport, or retail outlet, may install a network ofwireless access points throughout the premises. Mobile devices, of usersmoving throughout the premises, may automatically switch to an in-rangewireless access point, to thereby provide the users with seamlessnetwork connectivity throughout the premises.

Access points may be mounted to walls, ceilings, etc.

Generally, audio speaker systems are maintained within their ownphysical housing, which may also be mounted to walls, ceilings, etc. Inparticular, public address speakers (e.g., speakers having sufficientaudio capabilities for projecting within a large room) may be mounted toa ceiling.

To date, a speaker (and particularly a public address speaker) thatphysically interfaces with, e.g., mounts and provides data/power inputto, a wireless access point has not been suggested. As described herein,although challenging to design and implement, such apparatuses (systemsand devices) may provide numerous surprising advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In general, described herein are compact public address access point(AP) apparatuses and methods of using (and installing) them. Typically,such devices include one or more speakers (e.g., tweeters, woofers,etc.) coupled to a mounting or holding frame and one or more mounts,such as clamp brackets, and an access point, which may include an accesspoint housing (AP housing) enclosing a radio and antenna. Thecombination of the one or more speakers, the frame and/or the mount maybe referred to as a speaker assembly; the access point housing may bereferred to as the access point assembly.

In order to achieve a compact form, the apparatuses (which may includedevices and systems) may be preferentially arranged with the AP housingon an outermost-facing portion with the speaker recessed and at leastpartially (or completely) blocked by the AP housing. Although this wouldappear to be less optimal, particularly where the AP housing is formedof a solid, rigid or semi-rigid material, such as a plastic/polymeric,metal, ceramic or any other material, which would otherwise block anysound emitted by the speaker, it is surprisingly effective, as it mayallow better wireless operation, at least in part because any magneticcomponents of the speaker (e.g., speaker coil, etc.) may be keptrelatively close to the antenna and wireless (e.g., Wi-Fi_33) componentsof the AP, but in a portion that would otherwise prevent distortion andinterference, such as behind the AP, towards the ceiling or wall.Instead, the apparatuses described herein may be configured so that theapparatus includes one or more components, such as frame components thatefficiently direct sound from the speaker(s) in the forward directionand in a desired spread away from the apparatus. For example, any of theapparatuses described herein may include a frame to which the speaker issecured with the AP (e.g., AP housing) mounted in front of the speaker,and an acoustic reflector directing sound around the otherwise occlusiveAP. For example, the frame to which the speaker(s) is/are mounted mayinclude a conical acoustic reflector in front of the speaker, orientedwith the direction of the conical acoustic reflector (some of whichembodiments described herein may be referred to as a “horn”) is orientedso the direction of the apex of the conical acoustic reflector isdirected towards the face of the speaker (from which sound is emitted).The conical acoustic reflector may have a generally conical shape, whichmay be truncated (e.g., the apex of the conical acoustic reflector maybe snubbed or shortened). The sidewall of the conical acoustic reflectormay be concave, so that a section through the conical acoustic reflectormay have a trumpet shape. In operation, is is the outer surface of thisconical acoustic reflector that is used to reflect sound from thespeaker to be emitted around the AP. The frame may also include a secondacoustically reflective opposite from the conical acoustic reflector,such as an annular ring or perimeter. An annular region may surround (orpartially surround) the AP housing when the AP housing is mounted to theframe; sound may be emitted from between the annular region and the APhousing down and away from the AP (e.g., into a room, when the apparatusis mounted to a ceiling).

These devices may include additional sound filtering, including passiveor active sound filtering, including baffles, phase plug(s) oracoustical transformer(s), or the like. In general, these apparatusesmay be particularly well suited for transmission of human speech (e.g.,between 80 and 300 Hz).

In addition, the compact apparatuses described herein may include one ormore microphones for receiving sound input (allowing the apparatus tooperate as a two-way public address system). The microphone may bemounted to the frame, the AP, or coupled to the speaker. In particular,the microphone(s) may be on an external surface of the frame, includingthe annular region.

The apparatuses described herein may be operated together as part of apublic address system, and may be controlled to providesynchronous-sounding activity, so that even devices operated within thesame open space (e.g., outside or inside, e.g., a hallway, large room,warehouse, etc.) may produce an acoustically clear sound quality.

The apparatuses described herein operate as both public address(acoustic) speakers and/or microphones and access points (e.g., meshaccess points, etc.). The apparatus may receive both power and data fromthe same connection (e.g., a power-over-Ethernet connection) or throughseparate power and data sources). The apparatus may include audiocircuitry coupled to the speaker (e.g., speaker driver, acousticencoder, digital to analog (D/A) converters, etc.); this acoustic oraudio circuitry may be part of a circuitry such as a PCB or othersubstrate that is housed within the frame, and/or coupled to the frame.For example any of these apparatuses may include a digital to analog(D/A) converter and an analog amplifier coupled to the speaker. Data(sound signals) may be transmitted to the AP, e.g., from the network viathe network (e.g., Ethernet) connection, and may drive the speaker. Inparallel, data (digital data signals) may be transmitted and received bythe AP and communicated to the network. The acoustic signals transmittedmay be digital or analog, or some combination thereof. The apparatus maybe configured to receive acoustic information for broadcasting from thespeaker by a dedicated device, or a device running software (e.g., asmartphone, or other hand held electronics device) that can transmit theacoustic signal(s) to the apparatus for emission by the speaker. Aremote (e.g., network) server may coordinate the operation of thespeaker, including transmitting acoustic signals to/from one or moreapparatuses.

For example, described herein are compact public address access point(AP) apparatuses including: a speaker having a front from which sound isprojected; a frame mounted over the speaker, the frame comprising: aconical acoustic reflector centered over the front of the speaker, andan annular region surrounding the conical acoustic reflector, whereinthe annular region comprises a concave inner wall facing the conicalacoustic reflector; an access point (AP) housing mounted to the frame sothat the AP housing covers the front of the speaker and the conicalacoustic reflector is between the AP housing and the front of thespeaker, wherein an outer surface of the AP housing is opposite from theconcave inner wall of the annular region of the frame; and an antennaand a radio housed within the AP housing and configured to connect aplurality of wireless devices to a network.

A compact public address access point (AP) apparatus may include: aspeaker having a front from which sound is projected; a frame mountedover the speaker, the frame comprising a conical acoustic reflectorcentered over a central region of the front of the speaker, wherein theconical acoustic reflector tapers towards a point in a direction of thespeaker, and an annular region surrounding the conical acousticreflector, wherein the annular region comprises a concave inner wallfacing the conical acoustic reflector; a microphone coupled to theframe; and an AP housing mounted to the frame so that the AP housingcovers the front of the speaker and the conical acoustic reflector isbetween the AP housing and the front of the speaker, wherein an outersurface of the AP housing is opposite from the concave inner wall of theannular region of the frame, further wherein the AP housing encloses anantenna and a radio configured to connect a plurality of wirelessdevices to a network.

As mentioned, the conical acoustic reflector may have a concave outerprofile (e.g., through the tapering side of the conical reflector). Theconical acoustic reflector may be made of any appropriate material(s),including a polymeric (e.g., plastic) material. The conical acousticreflector may be oriented in the apparatus so that it tapers as itapproaches the front of the speaker.

Any of these apparatuses may include a network connector coupled to theframe and configured to couple a cable (e.g., Ethernet, such as PoE) incommunication with a network.

In any of these variations, the AP housing may be removable, e.g., byscrewing on or off, from the rest of the apparatus (such as the speakerassembly). The AP housing may be configured to attach to the base of theconical acoustic reflector, and/or to the frame, including to one ormore struts extending between the conical acoustic reflector and theannular region. In general, the annular region may form a recess intowhich the AP housing may be partially recessed. For example, the APhousing may be recessed within the annular region.

Any of these apparatuses may include a mount, such as (but not limitedto) a clamp mount, including a plurality of clamps, on a lateral and/orback side of the frame. The clamps may be configured to compress aportion of a ceiling surface/wall between each clamp and the frame.

As mentioned, any of these apparatuses may include a circuitry coupledto the frame and configured to receive input from a network connectionto drive the speaker.

In general, an Ethernet connection (e.g., a power over Ethernetconnection) may be included and configured to connect to a power and/orEthernet source to provide power to the radio and speaker. Thisconnection may be on a back or lateral surface of the apparatus,including on or in the frame of the apparatus (e.g., on a back cover ofthe apparatus). The apparatus may also include one or more connectorsbetween the speaker assembly portion of the apparatus and the AP housingportion. For example, the apparatus may include an Ethernet connectionwithin the annular region configured to connect to the AP housing andprovide data and power to the radio. Any of these apparatuses mayinclude an Ethernet dongle, USB dongle, or both Ethernet dongle and USBdongle passing through an axis of the speaker.

As mentioned above, any of the these apparatuses may include a two-wayacoustic transducer and filter network coupled to the speaker. Theseapparatuses may include a conical phase plug on a central axis ofspeaker for improvement of bandwidth and polar directivity pattern.

Any appropriate AP circuitry may be included. For example, the APhousing may enclose one or more antenna (e.g., an array, including aphase array, antenna), and one or more radio (receiver/transmitter)chains. For example, in some variations the AP radio may be a dual-radioAP. The AP radio may be, in some examples, configured to supportsimultaneous dual-band, 3×3 MIMO operation in the 2.4 and 5 GHz radiobands for up to 1750 Mbps. Thus, the radio may be configured as a 3×3MIMO radio.

In general, the compact public address access point apparatusesdescribed herein may have a “stacked” arrangement, such that the AP isin front of (rather than alongside) of the one or more speakers. Despitethis counterintuitive arrangement, which would otherwise block thespeaker and potentially interfere with the sound quality, theapparatuses described herein may be adapted to provide a high-qualitysound performance with accurate voice reproduction. For example, any ofthe apparatuses described herein may be adapted such that the speaker,conical acoustic reflector and annular region are arranged andconfigured so that an acoustic signal of between, e.g., 70 Hz and 20 kHz(e.g., between 80 Hz and 20 kHz, between 90 Hz and 20 kHz, between 100Hz and 20 kHz, etc.) that is emitted by the compact public addressaccess point (during normal operation, e.g., when the access point ismounted over the speaker) is greater than a minimum level (e.g., greaterthan 75 dBSPL, greater than 78 dbSPL, greater than 80 dBSPL, greaterthan 82 dBSPL, greater than 85 dbSPL, greater than 87 dbSPL, greaterthan 90 dBSPL, etc, greater than 92 dBSPL, greater than 95 dBSPL, etc.).

Also described herein are methods of operating any of the apparatusesdescribed herein. For example, a method of making a public address froma wireless access point (AP). Such a method may include: receiving apublic address signal indicated for audio broadcast at a compact publicaddress AP apparatus; and emitting the public address signal as anaudible signal from a speaker of the compact public address AP, whereinthe speaker is mounted behind a housing of the AP, the housing enclosingan antenna and radio, so that the audible signal is projected from afront of the speaker and reflected from a conical acoustic reflectorpositioned between the front of the speaker and the housing of the AP sothat the audible signal is directed out of an annular region surroundingthe conical acoustic reflector and housing of the AP, wherein theannular region comprises a concave inner wall facing the conicalacoustic reflector.

A method of method of making a public address from a wireless accesspoint (AP) may include: wirelessly transmitting a public address signalfrom a handheld device, wherein the public address signal is indicatedfor audio broadcast; receiving the public address signal at a compactpublic address AP apparatus; and emitting the public address signal asan audible signal from a speaker of the compact public address AP,wherein the speaker is mounted behind a housing of the AP, the housingenclosing an antenna and radio, so that the audible signal is projectedfrom a front of the speaker and reflected from a conical acousticreflector positioned between the front of the speaker and the housing ofthe AP so that the audible signal is directed out of an annular regionsurrounding the conical acoustic reflector and housing of the AP,wherein the annular region comprises a concave inner wall facing theconical acoustic reflector; wherein the compact public address APapparatus concurrently connects a plurality of wireless devices to anetwork to which the radio of the compact public address AP isconnected.

In general, any of these methods may include concurrent transmission ofdata between a network and one or more wireless devices (e.g., acting asa wireless access point) and a transmission (and in some cases receipt)of audio information (e.g., acting as a speaker).

Any of these methods may include wirelessly transmitting the publicaddress signal from a handheld device, wherein the public address signalis indicated for audio broadcast. The compact public address APapparatus may concurrently connect a plurality of wireless devices to anetwork to which the radio of the compact public address AP isconnected.

These methods may include receiving an audible response signal from amicrophone of the compact public address AP, encoding the audibleresponse, and transmitting the encoded audible response signal.

Transmitting the encoded audible response signal may comprisetransmitting the encoded audible response signal to the handheld device(e.g., smartphone, smartwatch, pad, etc.) or laptop/desktop.

As mentioned, the radio and antenna of the compact public address AP mayconcurrently emit the public address signal as an audible signal andsimultaneously couple one or a plurality of wireless devices to anetwork using 3×3 MIMO operation in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz or 2.4 and 5 GHzradio bands.

Also described herein are methods of installing a compact public addressaccess point (AP). As mentioned, the compact public address AP may beany of those described herein, e.g., including a speaker surrounded by aframe and an access point housing covering the speaker, further whereinthe access point housing may enclose a wireless radio and antennaconfigured to connect a plurality of wireless devices to a network. Amethod of installing such a compact public address AP may include:cutting a hole into a ceiling surface; connecting an Ethernet cable fromthe ceiling into a main port of the compact public address access pointfor connection to the network; adjusting a plurality of clamp bracketsso that the compact public address AP is held within the hole when theclamp brackets hold the ceiling surface between the clamp bracket andthe compact public address AP; and applying data and power through theEthernet connection to the wireless radio and antenna of the AP.

For example, a method of installing a compact public address accesspoint (AP) (e.g., wherein the compact public address access pointincludes a speaker surrounded by a frame and an access point housingcovering the speaker, further wherein the access point housing enclosesa wireless radio and antenna configured to connect a plurality ofwireless devices to a network) may include: placing a mounting templateagainst a ceiling surface; cutting a hole into a ceiling surface;releasing the access point housing from a speaker assembly of thecompact public address access point to expose a conical acousticreflector positioned between a front of the speaker and the housing ofthe AP and an annular region comprising a concave inner wall facing theconical acoustic reflector; connecting an Ethernet cable from theceiling into a main port of the compact public address access point forconnection to the network; adjusting a plurality of clamp brackets sothat the compact public address access point is held within the holewhen the clamp brackets hold the ceiling surface between the clampbracket and the compact public address access point; connecting a secondEthernet cable between the access point housing and the speakerassembly; connecting a USB connector between the access point housingand the speaker assembly; re-attaching the access point housing to thespeaker assembly; and applying data and power through the Ethernetconnection to the wireless radio and antenna of the AP.

Thus, any of these method of installing a compact public address accesspoint may include cutting the hole into the ceiling surface by placing amounting template against the ceiling surface to guide cutting the hole.

In general, any of these methods may include releasing the access pointhousing from a speaker assembly of the compact public address accesspoint to expose a conical acoustic reflector positioned between a frontof the speaker and the housing of the AP and an annular regioncomprising a concave inner wall facing the conical acoustic reflector.Releasing the access point housing may comprise rotating the accesspoint housing relative to the compact public address access point. Anyof these methods may also include connecting a second Ethernet cablebetween the access point housing and the speaker assembly, and/orconnecting a USB connector between the access point housing and thespeaker assembly. Any of these methods may also include re-attaching theaccess point housing to the speaker assembly.

In addition, when installing these compact public address access points,the method may include attaching a safety wire coupled to the compactpublic address access point to a structural point in the ceiling.

As mentioned, any of these methods (including the method of installingthe apparatus) may include concurrently emitting an audible signal froma speaker of the compact public address AP and connecting, via thewireless radio, a plurality of wireless devices to the network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity inthe claims that follow. A better understanding of the features andadvantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to thefollowing detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments,in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and theaccompanying drawings of which:

FIGS. 1 and 2 show front perspective views of a compact public addressaccess point (also referred to herein as a public address speaker andwireless access point, and/or a speaker interface for a wireless accesspoint). In FIG. 2, the compact public address access point is shown withthe AP housing (enclosing the radio and antenna and additional APcircuitry) removed.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show alternative front perspective views of a compactpublic address access point (speaker interface for a wireless accesspoint), with and without, respectively, the AP housing connected.

FIG. 5 illustrates one example of mounting of the AP to the speakerinterface (also referred to herein as the speaker assembly).

FIG. 6 shows a top view of the speaker interface, including theengagement region for the AP housing.

FIG. 7 shows a bottom view of an AP housing with a complimentaryengagement region.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show top views of a compact public address access pointwith (FIG. 8) and without (FIG. 9) the wireless access point (AP),attached to the speaker assembly.

FIG. 10 shows a bottom view of a compact public address access point.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show side views of a compact public address access point(AP), with and without, respectively, connection to the access pointhousing portion. The apparatus is shown mounted to a surface (e.g.,ceiling).

FIGS. 13, 14 and 15 show side views (left, right, top) of a compactpublic address access point apparatus including a speaker assembly andAP housing mounted to a ceiling (shown upside down, e.g., in relation tothe ceiling).

FIG. 16 is a schematic overview of an apparatus such as the compactpublic address access point shown in FIGS. 1-15, including connections.The speaker interface for the AP receives the network connection (e.g.,a Power over Internet, POE, connection) which powers the speaker(including microphones and circuitry) and in turns powers and passes thedata connection through to the AP. The AP, in turn, may control thespeaker.

FIG. 17 is a section through the apparatus (compact public addressaccess point) shown in FIGS. 1-15.

FIGS. 18 and 19 show sections through the frame/housing (including theacoustic reflector or horn structure) of the compact public addressaccess point apparatus shown in FIGS. 1-15.

FIG. 20 shows a perspective front view of an exemplary compact publicaddress access point.

FIG. 21 shows an exploded view from the front, showing the AP housing,frame (e.g., speaker interface) including a conical acoustic reflector(e.g., horn) and annular region (annular reflector region), mounts(clamp mounts), circuitry (e.g., acoustic circuitry), connectors (e.g.,Ethernet connector, USB connector), speaker (including tweeter, magneticcoils, etc.) and back housing.

FIG. 22 is a perspective back view of an exemplary compact publicaddress access point apparatus.

FIG. 23 shows an exploded view from the back view shown in FIG. 22,showing the AP housing, frame (including conical acousticreflector/horn), mounts, circuitry, connectors, speaker (includingtweeter, magnetic coils, etc.) and back housing.

FIG. 24A is a front perspective view of another variation of aspeaker/AP interface (compact public address access point apparatus).

FIGS. 24B-24F show top, bottom, front, left side, and right side views,respectively of the compact public address access point apparatus shownin FIG. 24A.

FIG. 24G is a section through a midline (line G-G′ in FIG. 24B) of thecompact public address access point apparatus of FIG. 24A.

FIG. 24H is a perspective exploded view of the compact public addressaccess point apparatus shown in FIG. 24A with the AP housing removed,showing the base of the conical reflector, the speaker and internalcircuitry along with the wall mounting portions. Optionally, seismicretaining features (such as a leash and/or hook or buckle) may also beincluded (not shown).

FIGS. 25A and 25B show the internal control circuitry of the speakerinterface within the apparatus housing (back housing removed), includingthe connections to the speaker(s) and inputs (e.g., Ethernet connection,etc.).

FIGS. 26 and 27 show cable connections between the speaker interface(speaker assembly) and the AP housing, including power and dataconnections (e.g., PoE).

FIG. 28 shows the back of an exemplary apparatus including a back cover.

FIG. 29 shows the apparatus of FIG. 28 with the back cover removed. Inboth cases the PoE (Ethernet) connection) is visible.

FIG. 30 is a schematic showing connections. In this example, Cat 6 anduUSB cable assembly connectors connect between the speaker assembly andthe AP housing. Cable assembly is terminated on Audio PCB afterthreading through horn wall of the speaker interface. The network cableis routed from back side of the conical acoustic reflector (horn) toconnect to the network. This approach allows no cables to be visibleafter in wall installation.

FIGS. 31 and 32 show back and front, respective, views of the compactpublic address access point apparatus with the AP removed, including theconnectors and circuitry (e.g., passive filter network).

FIG. 33 shows an exemplary electrical layout with active filtering for aloudspeaker (speaker interface), including USB input (e.g., from AP,controlling speaker), on-board circuitry, filter, and speaker(magnetically-driven). Although only a single speaker is shown as partof the speaker interface, in some variations multiple speakers may beincluded, and may be controlled by the same or separate circuitry.

FIG. 34 shows another example of a circuit that may be included as partof the compact public address access point apparatus, controlling amicrophone; the speaker interface may include one or more microphones.

FIG. 35 is an example of a schematic of the cabling that may be includedin any of the compact public address access point apparatuses describedherein.

FIGS. 36, 37, and 38 show variations of back covers for compact publicaddress access point apparatuses. The back cover may includevibration-damping or prevention, which may prevent rattling on the flatareas due to flexing with the acoustic waves. Without damping, a rattlemay occur on back cover in the flat area when excited, e.g., with 200 Hz@ 3V_(rms). Structural ribs may be included to dampen/prevent this,and/or a slight radius may be included to the flat surface area to makeit stronger. A foam, e.g., with PSA, may help prevent rattles due totouching of the magnet to the back cover or any cables that contact thatarea.

FIG. 39A illustrates one example of a kit including a compact publicaddress access point apparatus, a mounting template, a power overEthernet (PoE) converter (and mount) and a power cord.

FIG. 39B is an example of a network diagram including one or more (twoare shown) compact public address access point apparatuses.

FIG. 39C is a front perspective view of another example of a compactpublic address access point apparatus, showing the AP (AP housing)separated from the speaker assembly (frame, speaker, acoustic controlcircuitry, etc.).

FIG. 39D is a back perspective view of the compact public address accesspoint apparatus of FIG. 39C.

FIGS. 40A-40D illustrate one method of installing a compact publicaddress access point apparatus.

FIG. 41 illustrates the connection of compact public address accesspoint apparatus to an in-wall POE (Ethernet) so that the apparatus mayconnect and provide data and power connection to the AP portion, whenconnected to the speaker assembly portion.

FIGS. 42A and 42B show an exemplary apparatus attached (FIG. 42A) andnot attached (FIG. 42B) to a ceiling (shown upside down in thesefigures). Four clamps are engaged to hold the apparatus to the openingthrough the ceiling (e.g., acoustic board, drywall, etc.).

FIGS. 43 and 44 illustrate design features and/or modification of aspeaker portion of a compact public address access point apparatus. Forexample the speaker may include a central tweeter that can be movedflush with a conical acoustic reflector beneath the AP housing over thespeaker horn. The speaker itself may include a magnet of solidneodymium. The speaker (loudspeaker) may overall have a very highefficiency.

FIG. 45 is another schematic view of a speaker portion of a compactpublic address access point apparatus. In this example, a ring magnet(for the speaker) is designed with a very low Mms to keep the efficiencyof the speaker high. The speaker is powered by only 8 W USB amp. Thetarget output is 94 dB (1 W/1 M).

FIG. 46 is an illustration of one example of an apparatus (compactpublic address access point apparatus) in connecting the AP housing (forthe AP portion of the apparatus) being mounted over the frame (e.g., thespeaker assembly).

FIGS. 47 and 48 illustrate exemplary output for a prototype compactpublic address access point apparatus over a range of frequencies. Theseexamples are configured as a ceiling mounted compact public addressaccess point apparatus.

FIG. 49 shows a diagram of the inside of a building with a heat mapregion showing the WiFi transmission range of an exemplary compactpublic address access point apparatus.

FIG. 50 overlays the map shown in FIG. 49 with acoustic projection rangefor a typical compact public address access point apparatus at typicaloperating levels (volumes, etc.). The smaller circles illustratereasonable acoustic ranges.

FIGS. 51 and 52 illustrate mesh assignments for multiple APs andspeakers that may be used to cover an internal layout of a building. InFIG. 51, the mesh configuration shows an overlay of speaker coverage foreven SPL mapping. FIG. 52 shows systems that include the compact publicaddress access point apparatuses described herein as well as additional“audio hubs” added to optimize sound patterns on the floor.

FIGS. 53-64 illustrate alternative variations of compact public addressaccess point apparatuses as described and shown herein.

In FIG. 53 the speaker is off-set (off of the central axis of theapparatus) relative to the AP housing.

FIG. 54 show another compact public address access point apparatusvariation.

FIG. 55 is another example of a compact public address access pointapparatus including two speakers.

FIG. 56 is an example of a compact public address access point apparatusshowing alternative profiles for the inner acoustic reflector.

FIG. 57 is example showing how the variation of FIG. 56 may be modified,e.g., to increase the curvature.

FIG. 58 shows another modifications suggested in FIG. 57.

FIG. 59 shows a variation similar to that shown in FIG. 56.

FIG. 60 shows the output over frequency for the variation shown in FIG.56.

FIGS. 61, 62, and 63 illustrate variations including different sizes andshapes of central annular reflector regions beneath the AP attachmentregion (shown as domes, rather than conical acoustic reflectors) ofvarious shapes and sizes.

FIG. 64 is a schematic of a compact public address access pointapparatus similar to the variation shown in FIGS. 1-15.

FIG. 65 shows an exemplary frequency response curve.

FIG. 66 lists engineering specifications for one example of a compactpublic address access point apparatus as described herein.

FIG. 67 is section thorough an exemplary compact public address accesspoint apparatus having specs similar to those listed in FIG. 66.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, described herein are compact public address access pointapparatuses. These apparatuses typically include an access point (AP)within an integrated or removable AP housing. However, any of theseapparatuses may be separately sold from the AP housing and configured tomate with a separate AP housing. Thus, any of these apparatuses may beadapted for use with an AP but may not include the AP and may bereferred to herein as a mount for a wireless access point that includesaudio output (and in some variations input), such as speaker interfacesfor wireless access points.

Any of these apparatuses, such as compact public address access pointapparatuses, may be operated as ceiling or wall (or any other surface)mounted speakers to which an access point (AP) is integrated and/orcoupled. Any of these compact public address access point apparatus maybe configured as public address speaker and wireless access points. Alsodescribed herein are method of operating these apparatuses, methods ofinstalling the apparatuses, and kits including one or more of theseapparatuses.

For example, these apparatuses may allow a user to make announcementsover a WiFi system without the need for additional separate hardware,and may provide high-quality sound with accurate voice reproduction, andany of these apparatuses may support simultaneous dual-band, 3×3 MIMO inthe 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands for up to 1750 Mbps. These apparatuses maybe used with any handheld device (e.g., smartphone, pad, wearableelectronics, etc.) and/or laptop to control and operate the apparatus.For example, in some variations an apparatus may be operate withsoftware, firmware and/or hardware that permits a user to configure andoperate (e.g., speak over, listen over, etc.) the public address speakerand wireless access point. In one example, the apparatus may be usedwith (or may include) a mobile Announcement Application software thatmay be used to broadcast announcements from the combined speaker/accesspoint using a handheld device (e.g., phone).

In general, these apparatuses include a form factor that includes amount (to which the AP may be attached) over top of the speaker, e.g.,the central region of a speaker. Thus, the speaker may be held in amount or frame. The combined speaker and frame may be referred to as aspeaker assembly; in general an AP housing may be coupled or attached tothe frame so that the AP housing covers all or most of the speaker. Toavoid muffling or acoustic interference of the speaker output, the framemay be configured (e.g., to include an acoustic waveguide, such as ahorn/housing) specifically to prevent muffling/drop out. For example,the central region of the frame beneath the AP mount may be an acousticwaveguide region having a conical (concave-shaped cone region) acousticreflector region that is immediately above the speaker (e.g., tweeter).A second truncated conical (horn) region may be annularly positionedaround this central acoustic reflector; for convenience this secondportion may be referred to as an annular region or annular reflector.The lateral walls of the annular region extending from the internalspeaker may be curved to match the curvature of the bottom surface ofthe AP housing (which may be recessed therein) when attached. Thus, theouter bell shape of the frame may be configured complementary to the APhousing. The AP housing itself may give a compressor phasing plug effectthat allows for better efficiency for the projection of sound. The outerregion of the annular region of the frame may include a flared region.

Note that in some variations shown herein, the outer (exposed/visibleregion) of the horn of the speaker interface includes multipleopenings/holes, which are optional. One or more microphones may bepositioned within this region (e.g. on an outer surface or within theouter face of the frame and/or AP housing).

The shape/curvature of the inner horn region (conical acousticreflector) and outer horn region (annular region) shown in FIGS. 1-15are configured to provide a wave path that starts in a smaller space andprojects out, giving a more open area to flare of horn.

The speaker within the apparatus may be a very high-efficiency,light-weight speaker. For example, the magnet may be solid neodymiumring.

In general, the speaker interface for an access point (which may bereferred to herein as simply a speaker interface, speaker mount, etc.)may connect, e.g., by POE connection, to an Ethernet line, which maythen through the apparatus, provide data and/or power connection to themounted/attached AP. Thus, the entire apparatus may be powered by therelatively low-low energy POE connection. Powering with USB (POE power)means that the speaker must be very efficient, as traditional POE doesnot provide much power. In the examples shown herein, the speakerprovides 95 dB of loudspeaker output, usable output with one 1 Watt,using about 1 Watt of acoustic power (peak wattage). Thus, in somevariations these apparatuses are configured to operate in the 5-15(e.g., 12) Watt range (compared to most ceiling speaker which may extendup to 50 Watts or more). Although the speaker transducers shown hereinmay be configured to take this higher wattage, the electronics areadapted to provide and operate within the 5-15 (e.g., 12) Watt range.Thus, these apparatuses are configured as high efficiency loudspeakertransducers.

In general, the moving mass of the speakers are very light and low(e.g., less than approx. 2 g, 3 g, 4 g, (e.g., 2-7 g, 1 g-5 g, etc.).The weight of the moving parts is ultralight with strong, high-fluxdensity motor. The coil may be a narrow diameter (e.g., having lesscopper—so lower weight of moving mass). Also, the gap of the motor maybe a chamfered gap providing a dimension that focuses the flux to ahigher density in the gap where the coil is.

In operation, these apparatuses may be used as speakers. Arrays of thesedevices (as described in the figures) may be connected together. Forexample, these apparatuses may find use in classrooms, public buildings,etc. In addition, these apparatuses may be used for surveillance/alarmsystems/applications.

Because they are connected and potentially controlled by the AP, theseapparatuses may also be coordinated to provide acoustic effects such asfocusing of projected/received sounds. Arrays of speaker sandmicrophones are well characterized, and these apparatuses may be adaptedto operate in arrays, including focusing the energy of the speakers ormicrophone arrays to optimize the acoustic requirements. Arraycapabilities are known, but are not typically networked, or performedwith POE, etc. The system may be configured to measure acoustic outputfrom nearby apparatuses (other speaker interfaces) and triangulateacoustically to optimize the output of the overall system and/orindividual speakers, e.g., one apparatus sending and the other(s)listening.

Any of these apparatuses may be used with a user interface forcommunicating with the AP(s) and therefore the speaker(s) or connectedsystem of speakers. A user interface may allow a user to select one ormore speaker to transmit/receive from, and may allow public addressand/or monitoring from the apparatus. A user interface may be accessedby any appropriate device, e.g., cell phone, lap top, etc.

EXAMPLES

FIGS. 1-15 illustrate one example of a compact public address accesspoint (also referred to herein as a public address speaker and wirelessaccess point, and/or a speaker interface for a wireless access point).In the front perspective view of FIG. 1, the compact public addressaccess point (AP) 100 includes the AP housing 103, in which all of thecircuitry for the AP radio and the AP antenna may be held. The APhousing in this example is a disc-shaped housing that mounts to theframe 105. FIG. 2 illustrates the compact public address access point ofFIG. 1 with the AP housing shown removed. In FIG. 2 the speaker 107 iscoupled to the frame 105. The speaker has a front 107 from which soundis projected. In this example, the frame 105 is mounted over thespeaker, and surrounds the speaker. The frame includes a conicalacoustic reflector 109 that is centered over the front of the speakerwith the peak (apex) of the conical acoustic reflector facing the frontof the speaker; the base of the conical acoustic reflector includes amating region 113 for coupling to an AP housing. The conical acousticreflector forms a first horn portion and the outer annular region 117 ofthe frame 105 forms a second horn portion that surrounds the conicalacoustic reflector (the first horn). The annular region in this exampleincludes a concave inner wall facing the conical acoustic reflector.When the access point (AP) housing is mounted to the frame, the the APhousing covers the front of the speaker and the conical acousticreflector is between the AP housing and the front of the speaker.Because of this arrangement, in which an outer surface of the AP housingis opposite from the concave inner wall of the annular region of theframe, sound emitted by the speaker (particularly in the voice range of70 Hz to 300 Hz or more) is reliably transmitted by the acousticwaveguide that is formed when the AP housing is attached, between theinner acoustic reflector (e.g., the conical acoustic reflector) andconcave inner wall of the annular region of the frame. In FIG. 2, a pairof connectors (including a USB connector 205 and an Ethernet connector207) are visible for connecting between the speaker assembly (e.g.,frame 105 and speaker 107) and the access point (e.g., within the APhousing 103). In FIG. 2, the compact public address access point isshown with the AP housing (enclosing the radio and antenna andadditional AP circuitry) removed.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show alternative front perspective views of a compactpublic address access point, with (FIG. 3) and without (FIG. 4) the APhousing connected. In this example, the frame includes a plurality ofstruts 403, 403′ connecting the central acoustic reflector (conicalacoustic reflector 109) to the peripheral annular acoustic reflector105. The struts are generally thin and only minimally block the regionbetween the two, so as not to adversely affect the acoustic propertiesof the sonic waveguide formed when the AP housing is attached, as shownin FIG. 3. In these examples, a plurality of screw-actuated bracketadjustment sites are also shown, and screwing them in or out may adjustthe position of each of a clamp bracket, as described below.

FIG. 5 shows an example of connecting (mounting) an AP housing 103 tothe frame 105 of the speaker assembly. As illustrated by arrow 121, theAP housing may be coupled onto the frame and rotated (e.g., clockwise orcounterclockwise) to secure the AP housing onto the frame over thespeaker so that the speaker is completely or mostly (e.g., more than 50percent, more than 60%, more than 70%, more than 75%, more than 80%,more than 85%, more than 90%, more than 95%, etc.) covered by the APhousing, leaving a gap between the annular reflection region and theperiphery of the AP housing.

FIG. 6 shows a top view of the speaker interface, including theengagement region on the frame for the bottom of the AP housing, asshown in FIG. 7. In FIG. 7 the bottom of the AP housing 702 may includewith complimentary engagement region(s) for engaging the frame (e.g.,the inner, central conical acoustic reflector. The engagement region maybe a track and/or engagement projection for engaging a complimentaryengagement projection and/or track on the frame, including on the baseof the central conical acoustic reflector. FIGS. 8 and 9 show top viewsof the same compact public address access point from FIGS. 1-7. In FIG.8 the wireless access point (AP) housing is attached to the speakerassembly (frame, speaker, mounts, etc.); FIG. 9 shows the same view asFIG. 8, but with the AP housing removed. FIG. 10 shows a bottom view ofa compact public address access point. In FIG. 10, a bottom cover 1001covers and protects the speaker and frame, and this cover may includeone more openings, including openings for plugs, such as an Ethernetplug 1005.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show side views of a compact public address access point(AP), with and without, respectively, connection to the access pointhousing portion. The apparatus is shown mounted to a surface (e.g.,ceiling). In FIGS. 10-12, the mounting brackets 1007 are visible; thereare four of them shown in the bottom view of FIG. 10, for example.

FIGS. 13, 14 and 15 show side views (left, right, top) of a compactpublic address access point apparatus including a speaker assembly andAP housing mounted to a ceiling (shown upside down, e.g., in relation tothe ceiling).

FIG. 16 is a schematic overview including a marked-up transverse sectionthrough a compact public address access point 1600 such as the one shownin FIGS. 1-15, including connections. In this example, as shown in FIGS.1-15, the speaker interface for the AP receives a network connection(e.g., a Power over Internet, POE, connection) which powers the speaker(including microphones and circuitry) and in turns powers and passes thedata connection through to the AP 1605. The AP, in turn, may control thespeaker, and may connect to the input data and/or power input 1604 busto the AP through a pair of connectors (shown in this example in FIG. 16as a USB and Ethernet connection 1614). In this example the speaker mayinclude any speaker elements, including tweeter 1633 and woofer 1635,which may form or may be part of a passive filter network 1638. Outputon the speaker may be regulated and controlled by any audio circuitry1284 that may be coupled to the frame, as shown. The cross-section alsoshows a microphone 1286 which may also be controlled by audio circuitry1284.

FIG. 17 is similar to the section shown in FIG. 16 showing a slightlydifferent arrangement of the speaker 1705, the frame 1703, and the APhousing. In this example, the AP housing is somewhat lower profile, andis recessed into the frame. In FIG. 17, the section through the midlineof the apparatus (compact public address access point) shows how theconcave inner wall of the annular outer horn (annular acousticreflector) are spaced apart from each other.

As mentioned, the frame, including the acoustic reflector surfaces, maybe configured to permit sound to be emitted from the speaker, into theacoustic waveguide region between the inner acoustic and out from aroundthe edge of the access point housing. An example of a frame of thespeaker assembly is shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 (show in partial sectionalviews to highlight the outer curvature of the inner conical acousticreflector 1801 (a first horn or trumpet member) and an outer annularregion 1803 of the frame 1800 surrounding the conical acousticreflector. The outer surface of the frame 1800 in this example, includesa plurality of small holes, notches, openings, etc., into or through theframe. These openings 1809, if present, are optional.

FIG. 20 shows a perspective front view of a compact public addressaccess point similar to that shown above. FIG. 21 shows an exploded viewfrom the front of a compact public address access point, showing the APhousing 2102, frame 2105 (e.g., speaker interface) including an innerconical acoustic reflector 2106 (e.g., horn) and annular region 2107(annular reflector region), mounts 2109 (clamp mounts), circuitry 2111,2111′ (e.g., acoustic circuitry), connectors 2113 (e.g., Ethernetconnector, USB connector), speaker 2119 (including tweeter, magneticcoils, etc.) and back housing 2121. The speaker is in a stackedconfiguration relative to the AP housing, so that the AP housing ispositioned in-line with speaker over the front of the speaker (thecentral axis in the primary direction of acoustic transmission).

FIG. 22 is a perspective back view of the compact public address accesspoint apparatus of FIG. 21. FIG. 23 shows an exploded view from the backas shown in FIG. 22, showing the AP housing 2102, frame 2105, mounts2109, 2109′, 2109″, acoustic circuitry 2111, connectors 2113, speaker2119 (including tweeter, magnetic coils, etc.) and back housing 2121.

FIG. 24A is a front perspective view of another variation of aspeaker/AP interface (compact public address access point apparatus),also including a frame 2405 having an inner conical acoustic reflector2407 and an outer annular acoustic reflector 2408 that are mounted overthe speaker 2410 or speakers to secure an AP housing over thespeaker(s).

FIG. 24B shows a top view, and FIGS. 24C, 24D, 24E, and 24F show bottom,front, left side, and right side views, respectively of the compactpublic address access point apparatus shown in FIG. 24A. FIG. 24G is asection through a midline (line G-G′ in FIG. 24B) of the compact publicaddress access point apparatus of FIG. 24A.

In general, the frame 2105 may be mounted over the speaker 2119. FIG.24H shows a perspective exploded view of the compact public addressaccess point apparatus shown in FIG. 24A with the AP housing removed,showing the base of the conical acoustic reflector 2407, the speaker21119 and internal circuitry along with the wall mounting portions.Optionally, seismic retaining features (such as a leash and/or hook orbuckle, not shown) may also be included.

FIGS. 25A-25B show the internal acoustic control circuitry for thespeaker interface within the apparatus housing (in these images, theback housing has been removed), including the connections to thespeaker(s) and inputs (e.g., Ethernet connection, etc.). The acousticcircuitry 2505 may be mounted directly or indirectly to the frame 2501.FIGS. 26-27 show cable connections 2608 between the speaker interface(speaker assembly) and the AP housing, including power and dataconnections (e.g., PoE).

FIG. 28 shows the back of an exemplary apparatus including a back cover2805; FIG. 29 shows the apparatus of FIG. 28 with the back coverremoved. In both cases the PoE (Ethernet) connection 2811 is visible,passing into the back of the apparatus. A first electronic board 2814may support the Ethernet connection, and the same or a different circuitboard (e.g., PCB) may hold additional circuitry for operating theacoustics (speaker, etc.). In FIG. 29 a second board 2816 is shown; thisboard may include any of the acoustic control circuitry, such as a D/Aconverter, analog amplifier, or the like.

FIG. 30, like FIG. 16, is a schematic showing connections. In thisexample, Cat 6 and uUSB cable assembly connectors connect between thespeaker assembly and the AP housing. Cable assembly is terminated onAudio PCB after threading through horn wall of the speaker interface.The network cable is routed from back side of the conical acousticreflector (horn) to connect to the network. This approach allows nocables to be visible after in wall installation.

FIGS. 31 and 32 show back and front, respective, views of a compactpublic address access point apparatus 3104 with the AP housing removed,including the connectors and circuitry (e.g., passive filter network).For example, in FIG. 31, the apparatus includes a passive filter network3105 that connects to the high frequency speaker and low-frequencyspeaker components (not shown). An audio circuitry (audio PCB 2107) mayalso connect and drive the speaker(s) and may receive input from anetwork connection 3109. In FIG. 32, cable connections between thespeaker assembly (frame) and the AP housing, such as a USB connector3205 and/or Ethernet connection 3207, are shown.

FIG. 33 shows an exemplary electrical layout with active filtering for aloudspeaker (speaker interface), including USB input (e.g., from AP,controlling speaker), on-board circuitry, filter, and speaker(magnetically-driven). Although only a single speaker is shown as partof the speaker interface, in some variations multiple speakers may beincluded, and may be controlled by the same or separate circuitry.

FIG. 34 shows another example of a circuit that may be included as partof the compact public address access point apparatus, controlling amicrophone; the speaker interface may include one or more microphones.

FIG. 35 is an example of a schematic of the cabling that may be includedin any of the compact public address access point apparatuses describedherein.

FIGS. 36, 37, and 38 show variations of back covers for compact publicaddress access point apparatuses. The back cover 3607 may includevibration-damping or prevention, such as acoustic padding or foam, whichmay prevent rattling on the flat areas due to flexing with the acousticwaves. Without damping, a rattle may occur on back cover in the flatarea when excited, e.g., with 200 Hz @ 3 Vrms. Structural ribs may beincluded to dampen/prevent this, and/or a slight radius may be includedto the flat surface area to make it stronger. A foam, e.g., with PSA,may help prevent rattles due to touching of the magnet to the back coveror any cables that contact that area.

FIG. 39A illustrates one example of a kit including a compact publicaddress access point apparatus 3901, a mounting template 3903, a powerover Ethernet (PoE) converter 3905 (and mount) and a power cord 3907.For example, the PoE converter may be a 48V, 0.5 A converter, and mayinclude a mounting bracket for mounting within the wall or ceiling. Insome variations the PoE converter is integrated into the apparatus.

FIG. 39B is an example of a network diagram including one or more (twoare shown) compact public address access point apparatuses 3901, 3901′.In this example, the compact public address access point apparatuses areconnected by PoE connection to a router and/or network server, which mayin turn be connected to the cloud. The compact public address accesspoint apparatuses may be controlled (e.g., to provide an acoustic signalto announce on the public address speakers) remotely using a hand-heldwireless apparatus, such as a smartphone running a remote accesssoftware 3913. The software may permit a user to select which (or all)of the compact public address access point apparatuses to make anannouncement on, then speak the announcement (or select a pre-recordedannouncement) and make the announcement over one or more compact publicaddress access point apparatuses.

FIG. 39C is a front perspective view of another example of a compactpublic address access point apparatus, showing an AP (AP housing 3925)separated from the speaker assembly (frame 3929, speaker 3930, acousticcontrol circuitry (not visible), etc.). The apparatus may include one ormore connections between the frame 3929 and the access point housing2925, such as an Ethernet connection 3931 and/or a USB cable 3933. FIG.39D is a back perspective view of the compact public address accesspoint apparatus of FIG. 39C, showing a main Ethernet port 3941 and aplurality of clamp brackets 3943.

FIGS. 40A-40D illustrate one method of installing a compact publicaddress access point apparatus. In this example, the installationinstructions may include first removing a ceiling tile 4001 and removingthe backing from a mounting template 4003 and positioning the templateon the ceiling surface. A hole may then be cut (e.g., drilled) into theceiling surface 4001′. Prior to inserting the apparatus into this hole,the AP housing may be separated from the rest of the apparatus 4005,e.g., by rotating the AP housing counterclockwise to release it from thespeaker assembly. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 40B, an Ethernet cable,including a PoE cable, may be coupled to the apparatus by inserting intothe main port on the back of the apparatus. Optionally, a safety leash4007 may be attached between the apparatus and a secure site in theceiling or wall. The apparatus may then be secured in the opening bypushing it into the opening and using a screwdriver to actuate the setscrews to drive the clamp brackets 4015 from a retracted positionagainst the body of the device into an extended position so that theymay hold the ceiling surface between the bracket and the frame or coverof the apparatus.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 40C, connectors may be made between the APhousing and the speaker assembly. When both USB and Ethernet connectionsare connected, the cables may be plugged in, as shown on the top of FIG.40C, then excess cable length held in a slot 4018 in the frame, so thatthe cables are not visible when the AP housing is again inserted overthe speaker, as shown in FIG. 40C. The AP housing may be mounted orcoupled to the speaker assembly as shown so that there is a gap 4024between the AP housing and the annular acoustic reflector inner surface.This gap may be greater than 5 mm, greater than 6 mm, greater than 7 mm,greater than 8 mm, greater than 9 mm, greater than 1 cm, greater than1.2 cm, greater than 1.3 cm, etc. or between 4 mm and 2 cm, between 5 mmand 15 mm, between 5 mm and 10 mm, etc.). As shown in the top of FIG.40D, the AP housing may then be secured (e.g., by rotating clockwiserelative to the frame) to the frame. Alignment markers may indicate howto position the AP housing so that it can be screwed in, and/or how farto rotate it. If the ceiling tile was removed to secure the apparatus inplace, the ceiling time may then be secured back in position.Thereafter, the compact public address access point apparatus may bepowered up. For example, the apparatus may automatically sense PoEconnection (e.g., 802.3 support) and be powered directly by the PoE or aseparate power line. Once connected to the Ethernet connection as justdescribed, the apparatus may be connected to the network through aswitch, as shown in the bottom half of FIG. 40D.

FIG. 41 illustrates the connection of compact public address accesspoint apparatus to an in-wall POE (Ethernet) so that the apparatus mayconnect and provide data and power connection to the AP portion, whenconnected to the speaker assembly portion.

FIGS. 42A and 42B show an exemplary apparatus attached (FIG. 42A) andnot attached (FIG. 42B) to a ceiling (shown upside down in thesefigures). Four clamps 4205 are engaged to hold the apparatus to theopening through the ceiling (e.g., acoustic board, drywall, etc.)

FIGS. 43 and 44 illustrate design features and/or modification of aspeaker portion of a compact public address access point apparatus. Forexample the speaker may include a central tweeter 4301 that can be movedflush with a conical acoustic reflector beneath the AP housing over thespeaker horn. The speaker itself may include a magnet 4401 of solidneodymium. The speaker (loudspeaker) may overall have a very highefficiency.

FIG. 45 is another schematic view of a speaker portion (showing aschematic representation on the left, and an external view on the right)of a compact public address access point apparatus. In this example, aring magnet 4505 (for the speaker) is designed with a very low Mms tokeep the efficiency of the speaker high. The speaker is powered by only8 W USB amp. The target output is 94 dB (1 W/1 M).

FIG. 46 is an illustration of one example of an apparatus (compactpublic address access point apparatus) in connecting the AP housing (forthe AP portion of the apparatus) being mounted over the frame (e.g., thespeaker assembly). In this example, the speaker, conical acousticreflector and annular region are configured so that an acoustic signalbetween 70 Hz and 20 kHz (e.g., between 100 Hz and 20 kHz) emitted bythe compact public address access point when the access point is mountedover the speaker apparatus is greater than 82 dBSPL (minimum response).FIGS. 47 and 48 illustrate exemplary output for a prototype compactpublic address access point apparatus over a range of frequencies. Theseexamples are configured as a ceiling mounted compact public addressaccess point apparatus.

In use, the apparatuses described herein may be used as part of a MESHnetwork and may also or alternatively be included in an acoustic networkto provide acoustic coverage of a large area, as well as wireless accesscoverage. For example, FIG. 49 shows a diagram of the inside of abuilding with a heat map region showing the WiFi transmission range ofan exemplary compact public address access point apparatus. FIG. 50overlays the map shown in FIG. 49 with acoustic projection range for atypical compact public address access point apparatus at typicaloperating levels (volumes, etc.). The smaller circles illustratereasonable acoustic ranges.

FIGS. 51 and 52 illustrate mesh assignments for multiple APs andspeakers (including full compact public address access point apparatusand ‘dummy’ speakers that may be configured as part of a speaker networkfor use with one or more compact public address access pointapparatuses) that may be used to cover an internal layout of a building.In FIG. 51, the mesh configuration shows an overlay of speaker coveragefor even SPL mapping. The ratio of speakers to AP may be, e.g., 10 to 1(scalability is an issue due to the radiation range. WiFi is linearattenuation while sound is logarithmic). Thus, as shown in FIGS. 51 and52, a system may include a plurality of installed hubs for either orboth speaker/APs. For example, in some variations each speaker may be acompact public address access point apparatus (and may include anintegrated AP). In some variations, the system may include speakerinterfaces with attached APs and additional “audio hubs” added tooptimize sound patterns on the floor. Signal could be sent to theaudio-only hubs (which may be speaker interfaces for APs without APsattached) via Bluetooth, analog wire or other connection. Line voltagewould power audio amplifiers; secondary 70 V distributed speaker systemwith step down transformers may be used to configure power. This isillustrated in FIG. 52.

FIGS. 53-64 illustrate alternative variations of compact public addressaccess point apparatuses as described and shown herein. In somevariations (e.g., FIGS. 53, and 61-63), the speaker is off-set (off ofthe central axis of the apparatus). For example, FIG. 54 shows avariation in which multiple tweeters are positioned near the outerregion of the central horn of the speaker interface. FIG. 55 is anexample in which the compact public address access point apparatusincludes two speakers, allowing stereo. The AP housing is positionedover the center region, though it may be offset. In general, theapparatus may include more than two speakers.

FIG. 56 is an example of a first variation of a compact public addressaccess point apparatus having a sloped (straight-line) conical acousticreflector profile, compared to a concave profile (also referred toherein as a waveguide cone region). The spacing between the lower edgeof the AP housing (when attached) and the annular region of the framemay be >7 mm.

FIG. 57 is example showing how the variation of FIG. 56 may be modified,e.g., to increase the curvature of the horn profile (‘waveguide’) and/orthe concavity of the annular region of the frame. FIG. 58 shows one ofthe modifications suggested in FIG. 57 in greater detail, in which theprofile of the annular region surrounding the conical reflector (sonicwaveguide) follows the lower profile/curvature of the AP housing whenattached, which may prevent mid-range frequency drop-out shown in FIG.60 for the variation shown in FIG. 59. FIG. 59 shows a variation similarto that shown in FIG. 56. FIG. 60 shows the output over frequency forthe variation shown in FIG. 56.

FIGS. 61-63 illustrate variations including different sizes and shapesof central annular reflector regions beneath the AP attachment region(shown as domes, rather than conical acoustic reflectors) of variousshapes and sizes.

FIG. 64 is a schematic similar to the variation shown in FIGS. 1-15, andFIG. 65 shows an exemplary frequency response curve measured from asimilar prototype. Although there is a reduction in output when the AP(WiFi) is attached to the central waveguide (plastic horn), theapparatus may be implemented without a LF filter, and only use a MylarCap and Inductor on Tweeter (HF).

FIG. 66 lists engineering specifications for one example of a compactpublic address access point apparatus as described herein.

FIG. 67 is section thorough an exemplary compact public address accesspoint apparatus having specs similar to those listed in FIG. 66.

When a feature or element is herein referred to as being “on” anotherfeature or element, it can be directly on the other feature or elementor intervening features and/or elements may also be present. Incontrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directlyon” another feature or element, there are no intervening features orelements present. It will also be understood that, when a feature orelement is referred to as being “connected”, “attached” or “coupled” toanother feature or element, it can be directly connected, attached orcoupled to the other feature or element or intervening features orelements may be present. In contrast, when a feature or element isreferred to as being “directly connected”, “directly attached” or“directly coupled” to another feature or element, there are nointervening features or elements present. Although described or shownwith respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so describedor shown can apply to other embodiments. It will also be appreciated bythose of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature thatis disposed “adjacent” another feature may have portions that overlap orunderlie the adjacent feature.

Terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.For example, as used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” areintended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms“comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification,specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/orgroups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and allcombinations of one or more of the associated listed items and may beabbreviated as “/”.

Spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”,“upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description todescribe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) orfeature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that thespatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in use or operation in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in thefigures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath” otherelements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements orfeatures. Thus, the exemplary term “under” can encompass both anorientation of over and under. The device may be otherwise oriented(rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relativedescriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms“upwardly”, “downwardly”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and the like are usedherein for the purpose of explanation only unless specifically indicatedotherwise.

Although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describevarious features/elements (including steps), these features/elementsshould not be limited by these terms, unless the context indicatesotherwise. These terms may be used to distinguish one feature/elementfrom another feature/element. Thus, a first feature/element discussedbelow could be termed a second feature/element, and similarly, a secondfeature/element discussed below could be termed a first feature/elementwithout departing from the teachings of the present invention.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless thecontext requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as“comprises” and “comprising” means various components can be co-jointlyemployed in the methods and articles (e.g., compositions and apparatusesincluding device and methods). For example, the term “comprising” willbe understood to imply the inclusion of any stated elements or steps butnot the exclusion of any other elements or steps.

As used herein in the specification and claims, including as used in theexamples and unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers may beread as if prefaced by the word “about” or “approximately,” even if theterm does not expressly appear. The phrase “about” or “approximately”may be used when describing magnitude and/or position to indicate thatthe value and/or position described is within a reasonable expectedrange of values and/or positions. For example, a numeric value may havea value that is +/−0.1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−1%of the stated value (or range of values), +/−2% of the stated value (orrange of values), +/−5% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−10%of the stated value (or range of values), etc. Any numerical valuesgiven herein should also be understood to include about or approximatelythat value, unless the context indicates otherwise. For example, if thevalue “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is also disclosed. Anynumerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-rangessubsumed therein. It is also understood that when a value is disclosedthat “less than or equal to” the value, “greater than or equal to thevalue” and possible ranges between values are also disclosed, asappropriately understood by the skilled artisan. For example, if thevalue “X” is disclosed the “less than or equal to X” as well as “greaterthan or equal to X” (e.g., where X is a numerical value) is alsodisclosed. It is also understood that the throughout the application,data is provided in a number of different formats, and that this data,represents endpoints and starting points, and ranges for any combinationof the data points. For example, if a particular data point “10” and aparticular data point “15” are disclosed, it is understood that greaterthan, greater than or equal to, less than, less than or equal to, andequal to 10 and 15 are considered disclosed as well as between 10 and15. It is also understood that each unit between two particular unitsare also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11,12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

Although various illustrative embodiments are described above, any of anumber of changes may be made to various embodiments without departingfrom the scope of the invention as described by the claims. For example,the order in which various described method steps are performed mayoften be changed in alternative embodiments, and in other alternativeembodiments one or more method steps may be skipped altogether. Optionalfeatures of various device and system embodiments may be included insome embodiments and not in others. Therefore, the foregoing descriptionis provided primarily for exemplary purposes and should not beinterpreted to limit the scope of the invention as it is set forth inthe claims.

The examples and illustrations included herein show, by way ofillustration and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which thesubject matter may be practiced. As mentioned, other embodiments may beutilized and derived there from, such that structural and logicalsubstitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scopeof this disclosure. Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter maybe referred to herein individually or collectively by the term“invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarilylimit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventiveconcept, if more than one is, in fact, disclosed. Thus, althoughspecific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, anyarrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substitutedfor the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to coverany and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in theart upon reviewing the above description.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of making a public address from awireless access point (AP), the method comprising: receiving a publicaddress signal indicated for audio broadcast at a compact public addressAP apparatus; and emitting the public address signal as an audiblesignal from a speaker of the compact public address AP, wherein thespeaker is mounted behind a housing of the AP, the housing enclosing anantenna and radio, so that the audible signal is projected from a frontof the speaker and reflected from a conical acoustic reflectorpositioned between the front of the speaker and the housing of the AP sothat the audible signal is directed out of an annular region surroundingthe conical acoustic reflector and housing of the AP, wherein theannular region comprises a concave inner wall facing the conicalacoustic reflector.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprisingwirelessly transmitting the public address signal from a handhelddevice, wherein the public address signal is indicated for audiobroadcast.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the compact public addressAP apparatus concurrently connects a plurality of wireless devices to anetwork to which the radio of the compact public address AP isconnected.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving anaudible response signal from a microphone of the compact public addressAP, encoding the audible response signal, and transmitting the encodedaudible response signal.
 5. The method of claim 4, further whereintransmitting the encoded audible response signal comprises transmittingthe encoded audible response signal to a handheld device.
 6. The methodof claim 4, wherein the radio and antenna of the compact public addressAP concurrently emit the public address signal as the audible signal andsimultaneously couple one or a plurality of wireless devices to anetwork using 3×3 MIMO operation in 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz or 2.4 and 5 GHzradio bands.
 7. A method of making a public address from a wirelessaccess point (AP), the method comprising: wirelessly transmitting apublic address signal from a handheld device, wherein the public addresssignal is indicated for audio broadcast; receiving the public addresssignal at a compact public address AP apparatus; and emitting the publicaddress signal as an audible signal from a speaker of the compact publicaddress AP, wherein the speaker is mounted behind a housing of the AP,the housing enclosing an antenna and radio, so that the audible signalis projected from a front of the speaker and reflected from a conicalacoustic reflector positioned between the front of the speaker and thehousing of the AP so that the audible signal is directed out of anannular region surrounding the conical acoustic reflector and housing ofthe AP, wherein the annular region comprises a concave inner wall facingthe conical acoustic reflector; wherein the compact public address APapparatus concurrently connects a plurality of wireless devices to anetwork to which the radio of the compact public address AP isconnected.
 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising receiving anaudible response signal from a microphone of the compact public addressAP, encoding the audible response, and transmitting the encoded audibleresponse signal.
 9. The method of claim 7, further comprising receivingan audible response signal from a microphone of the compact publicaddress AP, encoding the audible response, and transmitting the encodedaudible response signal to the handheld device.
 10. The method of claim7, wherein the radio and antenna of the compact public address APconcurrently emit the public address signal as an audible signal andsimultaneously couple one or a plurality of wireless devices to anetwork using 3×3 MIMO operation in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz or 2.4 and 5 GHzradio bands.
 11. A method of installing a compact public address accesspoint (AP), wherein the compact public address access point includes aspeaker surrounded by a frame and an access point housing covering thespeaker, further wherein the access point housing encloses a wirelessradio and antenna configured to connect a plurality of wireless devicesto a network, the method comprising: cutting a hole into a ceilingsurface; releasing the access point housing from a speaker assembly ofthe compact public address access point to expose a conical acousticreflector positioned between a front of the speaker and the housing ofthe AP and an annular region comprising a concave inner wall facing theconical acoustic reflector; connecting an Ethernet cable from theceiling into a main port of the compact public address access point forconnection to the network; adjusting a plurality of clamp brackets sothat the compact public address AP is held within the hole when theclamp brackets hold the ceiling surface between the clamp bracket andthe compact public address AP; and applying data and power through theEthernet connection to the wireless radio and antenna of the AP.
 12. Themethod of claim 11, wherein cutting the hole into the ceiling surfacecomprises placing a mounting template against the ceiling surface toguide cutting the hole.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein releasingthe access point housing comprises rotating the access point housingrelative to the compact public address access point.
 14. The method ofclaim 11, further comprising connecting a second Ethernet cable betweenthe access point housing and the speaker assembly.
 15. The method ofclaim 11, further comprising connecting a USB connector between theaccess point housing and the speaker assembly.
 16. The method of claim11, further comprising re-attaching the access point housing to thespeaker assembly.
 17. The method of claim 11, further comprisingattaching a safety wire coupled to the compact public address accesspoint to a structural point in the ceiling.
 18. The method of claim 11,further comprising concurrently emitting an audible signal from aspeaker of the compact public address AP and connecting, via thewireless radio, a plurality of wireless devices to the network.
 19. Amethod of installing a compact public address access point (AP), whereinthe compact public address access point includes a speaker surrounded bya frame and an access point housing covering the speaker, furtherwherein the access point housing encloses a wireless radio and antennaconfigured to connect a plurality of wireless devices to a network, themethod comprising: placing a mounting template against a ceilingsurface; cutting a hole into a ceiling surface; releasing the accesspoint housing from a speaker assembly of the compact public addressaccess point to expose a conical acoustic reflector positioned between afront of the speaker and the housing of the AP and an annular regioncomprising a concave inner wall facing the conical acoustic reflector;connecting an Ethernet cable from the ceiling into a main port of thecompact public address access point for connection to the network;adjusting a plurality of clamp brackets so that the compact publicaccess AP is held within the hole when the clamp brackets hold theceiling surface between the clamp bracket and the compact public addressaccess point; connecting a second Ethernet cable between the AP housingand the speaker assembly; connecting a USB connector between the accesspoint housing and the speaker assembly; re-attaching the access pointhousing to the speaker assembly; and applying data and power through theEthernet connection to the wireless radio and antenna of the AP.
 20. Themethod of claim 19, wherein releasing the access point housing comprisesrotating the access point housing of the compact public address accesspoint to disconnect it from the compact public address access point. 21.The method of claim 19, further comprising attaching a safety wirecoupled to the compact public address access point to a structural pointin the ceiling.
 22. The method of claim 19, further comprisingconcurrently emitting an audible signal from a speaker of the compactpublic address AP and connecting, via the wireless radio, a plurality ofwireless devices to the network.